Voice over network (VoN)/voice over internet protocol (VoIP) architect having hotline and optional tie line

ABSTRACT

Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party&#39;s communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/119,109 filed Apr. 29, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/024,135 filed on Dec. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,761, andof which is incorporated herein by this reference.

This application also claims the benefit of applicants' U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/569,504 filed on May 7, 2004 of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application further claims the benefit of applicants' U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/615,922 filed on Oct. 5, 2004, and ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, this application relates to a commonly assigned co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 11/133,670 entitled “Voice over Network (VoN)/VoiceOver Internet Protocol (VoIP) Architect Using Advanced IntelligentNetwork Alternatives,” and of which is incorporated herein by thisreference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The exemplary embodiments relate to communications, and morespecifically, to methods and systems for delivery of voice service overa data communications network and/or a telecommunications network.

Internet telephony, also referred to herein as Voice Over InternetProtocol (VOIP), Voice over Network (VoN), Internet Protocol Telephony(IP Telephony), and others, is experiencing explosive growth and markedimprovements in reliability and sound quality. The improved Internettelephony communications are, in large part, due to upgrading theinternet backbone with better switching fabrics, such as AsynchronousTransfer Mode (ATM), and also due to implementation of newcommunications standards, such as standards for transport protocols,directory services, and/or audio codec format.

Along with these improvements come new challenges for the industry. Forexample, to support a voice communications path within a customer'spremise (e.g., a customer's home or business) through a telephonycommunications path (e.g., DSL) with a data communications network, somecombination(s) of integrated access devices (IAD), analog terminaladaptors (ATA), and/or telephone adapters (TA) must be installed at thecustomer's premise. For example, the customer may connect an existinganalog phone (e.g., Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) phone), includinga cordless telephone, to the ATA or TA to originate and receive callsover a VoN line. A VoN dial-tone is provided to all telephone extensionsconnected with a TA. This VoN communications connection may includevarious hardware and equipment, such as, for example, soft switches(SSW), trunk gateways (TGWs), application servers (AS), routing enginesand policy servers, media servers (MS), and feature servers (FS), suchas applications, routing engines, and policy servers.

Although the VoN service is attractive, customers typically are notwilling to spend a lot of money on new equipment. Moreover, customersare not willing to accept typical data communications network (e.g.,Internet) or power outages and unpredictability of these outages when itcomes to VoN services.

And, problems exist for communications service providers. From anInternet Service Provider's (ISP) perspective (i.e., provider for datacommunications network services), ISPs would like to avoid professionalinstallation thus minimizing their payback period and increasing theirReturn-On-Investment (ROI). From a local exchange carrier's perspective(i.e., telephone service provider), it is important to re-use as much ofthe existing communications network that they have in place today forVoN lines. This maximizes efficiency of the existing telecommunicationsnetwork. And, this also minimizes training and capital expenses. Forexample, a maintenance procedure such as MLT (mechanized loop test) maybe used to test and analyze a communications path with the customer'spremise, and these types of procedures are already well known by repairpersonnel.

Accordingly, a need exists for methods and systems that enable acustomer to enjoy the convenience and potential cost savings of a VoNsystem using their analog phone or other existing communications device(e.g., computer, VoIP phone, etc.) while ensuring a quality of servicevoice connection over the VoN. Furthermore, a need exists for methodsand systems that minimize service providers' costs and leverage theassets of existing communications networks.

SUMMARY

According to exemplary embodiments, the needs described above and otherneeds are met by methods, systems, computer programs, and computerprogram products to deliver voice service over a next generation networkthat includes a telecommunications network and/or a data communicationsnetwork. According to exemplary embodiments of this invention, methodsand systems deliver voice service over VoN, such as a network thatincludes the Public Switched Communications Network (PSTN) and anInternet Protocol (IP) network. Advantages include (1) eliminating VoNcustomer premises equipment (CPE), (2) eliminating installation of theequipment at the customer's premises, (3) reducing cost proposition tothe end user, (4) using a local loop (instead of DSL or other means) toconnect customer premise POTS and/or analog telephones to VoN service,and thereby, minimizing outages, and (5) re-using MLT procedures for VoNlines, and, thereby reducing training costs of technicians.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for Voice over Networkservices includes decoding a Voice over Network setup communicationssignal to associate an internal communications address with a directorycommunications address (e.g., POTS telephone number), and establishing aVoice over Network hotline for the communications address. The methodmay continue with presenting a dial tone to a communications device ofthe directory communications address, receiving a called party'scommunications address from the directory communications address (e.g.,the dialed digits), and initiating a Voice over Network communicationssignal to the called party's communications address from the hotline.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network systemincludes a communications device having a directory communicationaddress in communication with a telecommunications network, and meansfor identifying an off-hook state of the communications device and fordecoding the directory communications address to identify a voice overinternet protocol service feature of the directory communicationsaddress. Further, the telecommunications network communicates with aVoice over Network hotline to provide the voice over internet protocolservice feature, and the Voice over Network hotline communicates theinternet protocol telephony communications signals. Furthermore, thehotline provides means for establishing an internet protocol telephonycommunications connection of the communications' device with a calledparty's communications address. According to further exemplaryembodiments, a telecommunications switching device may be used as themeans for identifying the off-hook state of the communications deviceand for decoding the directory communications address to identify thevoice over internet protocol service feature of the communicationsaddress. Still further, the hotline may include a media gateway, anapplication server and/or a feature server, a media server, and meansfor communicating between the media gateway and the application serveror the feature server.

Yet other exemplary embodiments describe computer program products toperform the methods and enable the systems described above. For example,an embodiment describes a storage medium on which is encodedinstructions for decoding a Voice over Network setup communicationssignal to associate an internal communications address with a directorycommunications address, establishing a Voice over Network hotline forthe directory communications address, presenting a dial tone to acommunications device of the directory communications address, and/orreceiving a called party's communications address from the directorycommunications address. The exemplary embodiment may further include astorage medium on which is encoded further instructions for initiating aVoice over Network communications signal to the called party'scommunications address from the hotline and for establishing the Voiceover Network communications signal from the directory communicationsaddress to the called party's communications address via the Voice overNetwork hotline.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to, one with skill in the artupon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within and protected by this descriptionand be within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novelfeatures are more clearly understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 an exemplary VoN/VoIP operating environment according to some ofthe embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for an overview of an exemplary centraloffice hotline and application server with line gateway functionalityaccording to some of the embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for an outgoingcall to a central office hotline and application server with linegateway functionality according to some of the embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an outgoing call to a central officehotline and application server with line gateway functionality accordingto some of the exemplary embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for an incomingcall to a central office hotline and application server with linegateway functionality according to some of the embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for an incoming call to a central officehotline and application server with line gateway functionality accordingto some of the exemplary embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an overview of an exemplary centraloffice hotline with direct tie line functionality according to some ofthe embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for an outgoingcall to a central office hotline with direct tie line functionalityaccording to some of the embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an outgoing call to a central officehotline with direct tie line functionality according to some of theexemplary embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for an incomingcall to a central office hotline with direct tie line functionalityaccording to some of the embodiments of this invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an incoming call to a centraloffice hotline with direct tie line functionality according to some ofthe exemplary embodiments of this invention.

DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of this invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichexemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully conveythe scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention,as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass bothstructural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it isintended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalentsas well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elementsdeveloped that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems, methodsand computer program products embodying this invention. The functions ofthe various elements shown in the figures may be provided through theuse of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executingassociated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures areconceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operationof program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction ofprogram control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particulartechnique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention.Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplaryhardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systemsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are notintended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer.

According to exemplary embodiments, systems, methods, and computerprogram products deliver voice communication signals via a nextgeneration network, such as a VoN/VoIP communications network. Thisdelivery of voice communication signals is often referred to as “VoNservice for, voice communications” throughout this patent document.According to exemplary embodiments of this invention, several VoNarchitects provide means for receiving and sending voice communicationsfrom an analog phone (e.g., Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) phone) aswell as from alternate voice communications devices (e.g., personalcomputer, VoIP phone, etc.). Some of the advantages of this inventioninclude (1) eliminating VoN customer premises equipment (CPE), (2)eliminating installation at the customer's premises, (3) reducing coststo the end user, (4) using the local telecommunications loop (instead ofDSL) to connect customer premise hardware and equipment to VoN service,and thereby, minimizing communications outages (e.g., power,availability, and so on), and (5) re-using existing line testingprocedures for VoN lines, and, thereby reducing training costs oftechnicians.

Table 1 below presents high level architectural overviews for VoNservice for voice communications according to some of the exemplaryembodiments.

TABLE 1 Exemplary VoN Architectures for Voice Communications VoNArchitecture Tile VoN Architecture Description CO HOTLINE 1. Originatingcalls routed to application server & NGN AS/FS (AS) platform via“hotline” on Class 5 switch ENHANCED 2. Terminating calls routed fromservice node WITH LINE complex (SSW) to Class 5 switch GATEWAY 3. FSand/or AS enhancements provide subset of FUNCTION- line gatewayfunctions via TGW ALITY 4. Use existing TGW & SSW routing, that is theSSW routes to a Secret Line Number or Shadow Line Number (SLN) known bythe Central Office (CO), FS, and AS *Note: Mechanized Loop Testing (MLT)function sustained CO HOTLINE 1. Originating calls routed to AS Platformvia CONNECTION “hotline” to direct tie line to TGW TO DIRECT 2.Terminating Calls routed from SSW complex TIE LINE to Class 5 switch 3.Modification to direct tie line service to allow customer to connect toTGW without dialing digits. TGW provides tie line function that enablesSSW Complex to control the application of dial tone, digit collection,and switch-hook flash recognition. Optionally, CO switch may communicateoriginator's CgPN (SLN or VoN communications address) for routingpurposes. 4. Use existing TGW & SSW routing (SSW routes to SLN in CO)*Note: MLT function sustained

Table 2 below presents an overview of Secret Line Number or Shadow LineNumber (SLN) call flows for the above identified VoN service for voicecommunications according to some of the exemplary embodiments.

TABLE 2 SLN Call Flows CO HOTLINE & NGN AS ENHANCED WITH LINE CO HOTLINECONNECTION TO GATEWAY FUNCTIONALITY DIRECT TIE LINE SLN Outgoing calls:Outgoing calls: Originating 1. Class 5 hotlines to SSW. 1. Class 5hotlines to SSW. Calls 2. Class 5 identifies CgPN = SLN 2. Class 5identifies CgPN = SLN SLN Incoming calls: Incoming calls: Receving 1.SSW complex receives session 1. SSW complex receives SIP invite forCalls initiation protocol (SIP) invite for incoming call to VoN #(ported POTS incoming call to VoN # (ported POTS number) number) 2. FS(and/or AS) sends SIP invite to 2. FS (and/or AS) sends SIP invite toSSW with CdPN = SLN SSW with Called Party Number 3. FS (and/or AS)maintains a (CdPN) = SLN communications connection (i.e., stays 3. FS(and/or AS) maintains a in) with the call communications connection(i.e., stays 4. TGW routes to Class 5 switch serving in) with the callSLN; Class 5 switch has feature to 4. TGW routes to Class 5 switchserving limit calls SLN to only calls from SLN; Class 5 switch hasfeature to SSW complex limit calls SLN to only calls from SSW complex

According to some exemplary embodiments, methods and systems of VoN forvoice communications utilize a next generation softswitch, referred toas a softswitch (SSW) controlled line, to connect an analog phone onconventional home wiring (e.g., copper) to the VoN service for voicecommunications. Consequently, no telephone adapters (TA) need to beinstalled at customer's premises. Further, the VoN line is provided bythe telecommunications service provider's central office and iscontrolled by the SSW, thus designing the SSW to operate as a networkTA.

According to additional exemplary embodiments of this invention, methodsand systems of VoN for voice communications utilize an IP phone and/or aTA phone per each phone extension at a customer's premise. Consequently,no telephone adapters (TA) need to be installed or used at thecustomer's premise. And while an integrated access device (IAD) or aResidential Gateway may be available to the customer's premise, the IADor residential gateway is not used. That is, voice calls are routedthrough either the Class 5 switch or via an xATA. The Plain OldTelephone System (POTS) number (e.g., an analog communications addressof the phone) is ported to VoN (e.g., a calling party number (CgPN)) anda secret line number is created and only known by selected networkelements (e.g., a called party number (CdPN)).

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary VoNoperating environment. An operating system 100 may include customerpremises hardware and equipment 110 including a home communicationsnetwork, such as a home phone line networking alliance (HPNA),connecting analog phones 113 and 114 and a modem 116 and a personalcomputer 112. The operating system 100 further includes a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 120 (e.g., a DSL equivalentof a CODEC), a filter 125 connected with other analog phones 123 and 124(sometimes referred to as “VoN-1”), an ATM switch 130, and a gateway 135communicating with a data communications network (referred to as the“MPLS” network) 140 having additional gateways 141, 142, and 143. Thedata communications network 140 communicates with the softswitch (SSW)complex 150 having an L2/L3 switch 151 connected with a Media Server(MS) 152, a Feature Server (FS) 153, a voicemail application 154, and anApplication Server (AS) 155 (also referred to herein as a “softswitch”or “SSW”). The data communications network 140 further communicates witha telecommunications network 160 (e.g., a PSTN) and communications maybe routed via firewalls 145 and 147, additional gateways 146 and 148,trunk gateway (TGW) 161, and another trunk gateway (TGW) 162 in tandemwith a central office 163. The telecommunications network 160 includesat least one central office 163, 165, and 167 and at least one database164. Further, the telecommunications network 160 connects a centraloffice 165 and service control point (SCP) 166 with the analog phones123 and 124 and other customer premise hardware and equipment via DSLAM120 to establish communications. Another central office 167 connectswith calling party telephone 170 (having a communications address of404-555-1277) and communications are routed via the telecommunicationsnetwork 160, SSW complex 150, and/or the data network 140 to establish aVoN communications connection among the calling party telephone 170 andVoN-1 communications device (e.g., analog phones 123 and 124) and/orVoN-2 communications device (e.g., personal computer 112 HPNA 115,phones 113 and 114, and modem 115).

Exemplary Embodiment Central Office Hotline Having Application Serverwith Enhanced Line Gateway Functionality

FIG. 2 illustrates the main processing steps for an exemplary architectof a central office hotline and next generation application serverenhanced with line gateway functionality. The central office 165collects the communications address dialed by a user of one of thecustomer premise communications devices of VoN-1, shown as analog phones123 and 124 [step 210]. Thereafter, the SCP 166 routes the communicationto the SSW complex 150 using telephony triggers; such as, for example,Cisco discovery protocol (CDP), public office dialing plan (PODP), andothers [step 220]. The FS 153 processes the originating call for theuser of analog phones 123 and 124 [step 230]. The legacy switch 165 mayprocess additional communications instructions, such as, for example,flash based features including three way calling, call transfer, and/orcall waiting [step 240]. Thereafter the FS 153 processes the flashfeature(s) including the Media Server 152 provided dial tone and digitcollection [step 250].

The following information is used for the purpose of describing anincoming and/or an outgoing call for the exemplary embodiment. The POTSSubscriber Number is 404-222-1111 before VoN service is enabled forphones 123 and/or 124. When the subscriber of phone 123 and/or 124becomes a VoN customer, the POTS Subscriber Number is ported and becomesthe VoN number 404-222-1111 identified with SSW's line routing number(LRN) and provisioned on the AS platform. After porting the VoN number404-222-1111 to the VoN service provider, such as a competitive localexchange carrier (CLEC), the VoN subscriber gets an additional internalcommunications address assigned on the legacy switch 165—the Shadow LineNumber or Secret Line Number (SLN)—404-222-1234. This number is notknown to the subscriber. As used herein, the terms “subscriber,”“customer,” and/or “user” are used interchangeably. The legacy switch165 routes the call to the SSW complex 150 using the SLN as the callingnumber. The caller name (CNAM) and message waiting indicator (MWI) areassigned at the legacy switch 165 serving the VoN subscriber. All otherfeatures are provided by the FS 153. The SSW 155 is configured as ashared device type, such as a session initiation protocol (SIP)Non-Registering Gateway. The VoN customer's communications device (e.g.,telephone 123 or 124) is set to the softswitch device 155 with the lineport set to the SLN. The communications address of the phone is set tothe VoN number. Flash services, such as, for example, call waiting,three-way calling, call transfer, and consultation hold are supported bythe FS 153 with the trunk gateway 161 interpreting a digit sequence as aflash and then reporting that sequence back to the FS 153. And, the MS152 provides the dial tone and collects digits following the flash.

A typical outgoing call is handled according to the routing shown inFIG. 3 and the flow chart of FIG. 4. In FIG. 3, routing of the outgoingcall is represented by dashed lines. In this exemplary embodiment, anoutgoing call is placed from VoN-1 Subscriber to a called number404-555-1277 of telephone 170. The VoN-1 number is 404-222-1111 which isported to the SSW complex 150 and provisioned on the FS 153 to aninternal communications address—the SLN number of 404-222-1234(provisioned on legacy switch 165 and Feature Server 153). First, thecommunications device 123 and/or 124 of the calling party goes off hook[step 410] and the legacy switch 165 plays a dial tone and collects thedigits of the called number via an off-hook detection (ORD) trigger[step 420]. Next, the SCP 166 sends routing instructions to the legacyswitch 165 (e.g., Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP):TG=Trunk Group ID connected to TGW, Calling Party Number=SLN404-222-1234; Called Party Number=dialed digits 404-555-1277) [step430]. The legacy switch 165 then routes the call to the TGW 161 (IAM:Calling Party Num=SLN (e.g., the internal communications address)404-222-1234, Called Party Number=dialed digits 404-555-1277) [step 440]and the SSW complex 150 receives the call setup from the legacy switch165 and sends an invite to the FS 153 (e.g., SIP INVITE (UniformResource Identifiers (URI)=404-555-1277@NS.com, From:4042221234@hiQ.com, To: 404-555-1277@NS.com) [step 450]. Thereafter, theFS 153 receives the invite message, matches the SLN alias number404-222-1234 with VoN-1 subscriber DN 404-222-1111, and validates theoriginating call features [step 460]. The FS 153 then sends the inviteto the SSW 155 to establish a call to the called number with VoN-1 DN asthe Calling Party Number (e.g., SIP:INVITE(URI=404-555-1277@hiQ.com,From: 404-222-1111@AS.com, To: 404-555-1277 @NS.com) [step 470].Finally, the SSW 155 routes the call to the terminatingtelecommunications legacy switch 163 and instructs the TGW 162 to cutthrough end-end bearer path for call.

According to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the FS 153 orthe SSW complex 150 may provide the following functionality: recognizesthe originator, accepts invite, provides dial tone, collects digits,processes digits for out calls and original features, establishes end toend (ETE) calls, and processes mid-call features (e.g., 3way; CallWaiting, CallerID, Hold, etc.). And, the legacy switch provides a mediagateway controller.

A typical incoming call is handled according to the routing shown inFIG. 5 and the flow chart of FIG. 6. Routing of the incoming call isrepresented in FIG. 5 by dashed lines. In this exemplary embodiment, anincoming call to VoN-1 subscriber is placed by caller 404-555-1277 fromphone 170. The VoN-1 number is 404-222-1111 and is ported to the SSWcomplex 150 and is provisioned on the FS 153. The SLN number is404-222-1234 and is provisioned on the legacy switch 165 and the FS 153.The incoming call arrives at the SSW complex 150 for the ported VoN-1number 404-422-1111 (e.g., Initial Address Mesage (IAM): Calling PartyNumber=404-555-1277, Called Party Number=404-222-11111) [step 610] andthe FS 153 sends an SIP invitation message to the AS 155 (e.g., SIPINVITE (URI=404-222-11111@NS.com, From: 404-555-1277@hiQ.com, To:404-222-11111@NS.com) [step 620]. The FS 153 verifies the terminatingcall features, substitutes the SLN 404-222-1234 for VoN-1 number404-222-1111 in the called party number parameter and sends theinvitation message to the FS 153 configured as the shared access device[step 630]. The FS 153 maintains call state (e.g.,INVITE(URI=4042221234@hiQ.com, From: 404-555-1277@AS.com, To: 4042221234@hiQ.com). Next, the SSW 155 sends the call setup signaling to thelegacy switch 165 serving the SLN (e.g., IAM: Calling PartyNum=404-555-1277, Called Party Number=4042221234) [step 640] Then, thelegacy switch 165 receives the call setup signaling, and a telephonytrigger, such as the transatlantic telecommunications trigger (TAT), isencountered and a query is sent to the SCP 166 to validate calls for theSLN [step 650]. Thereafter, the SCP 166 validates that the call is not adirect call to the SLN and authorizes connection (e.g., TransactionCapabilities Application Part (TCAP): Calling Party Number=404-555-1277,Called Party Number=4042221234) [step 660]. Finally, the legacy switch165 sends a ringing current to called party and returns signaling to SSW155 resulting in ringing sent to the phone 170 of the calling party. Thelegacy switch 165 provides CNAM and the called party hears ringing attelephone 123 and/or 124 and goes off hook [step 670].

Exemplary Embodiment Central Office Hotline Having Direct Tie LineFunctionality

FIG. 7 illustrates the main processing steps for an exemplary architectof a central office hotline having direct tie line functionality. Thecentral office 165 hotlines the call to the TGW 161 [step 710] and theTGW 161 provides a dial tone and digit collection of the subscriber'scommunications device [step 720]. Thereafter, the SSW complex 150processes the originating call for the VoN-1 subscriber [step 730] andthe TGW 161 monitors for a flash indicator and forwards the digits tothe FS 153 [step 740]. The FS 153 processes the flash features(including the dial tone and digit collection) [step 750].

The following information is used for the purpose of describing anincoming and/or an outgoing call for the exemplary embodiment. The POTSSubscriber Number is 404-222-1111 before VoN service is enabled forphones 123 and 124. When the subscriber of phone 123 and/or 124 becomesa VoN customer, the POTS Subscriber Number is ported and becomes the VoNnumber 404-222-1111 identified with SSW's LRN and provisioned on the FS153. After porting the VoN number 404-222-1111 to CLEC, the VoNsubscriber gets an additional communications address assigned on theswitch—the Shadow Line Number or Secret Line Number (SLN)—404-222-1234.This number is not known to the subscriber. As used herein, the terms“subscriber,” “customer,” and/or “user” are used interchangeably. TheCNAM and MWI are assigned at the legacy switch 165 serving the VoNsubscriber. All other features are provided by the FS 153. The SSW 155is configured as a shared device type—SIP Non-Registering Gateway. Thecustomer communications device (e.g., telephone 123 and 124) is set tothe softswitch device with the line port set to the SLN. Thecommunications address of the phone is set to the VoN-1 number. Flashservices, such as, for example, call waiting, three-way calling, calltransfer, and consultation hold are supported by the FS (e.g., 153) withthe trunk gateway interpreting a digit sequence as a flash and thenreporting that sequence in an information method to the FS. And, the MSprovides the dial tone and collects digits following the flash.

A typical outgoing call is handled according to the routing shown inFIG. 8 and the flow chart of FIG. 9. Routing of the outgoing call isshown in FIG. 8 as dashed lines. In this exemplary embodiment, anoutgoing call is placed from VoN-1 Subscriber to a called number404-555-1277, the VoN-1 number is 404-222-1111 (ported to the SSW andprovisioned on the Application server), the SLN number=404-222-1234(provisioned on the legacy switch 165 and the FS 153), and the hotlinenumber=770-333-1212 (provisioned on the SSW, one per calling area). Thecalling party goes off hook [step 910] and the legacy switch 165hotlines the call to the TGW 161 via tandem switching (e.g., IAM:Calling Party Num=SLN 404-555-1277, Called Party Number=Hotline number7703331212) [step 920]. The TGW 161 forwards the incoming callindication to the SSW complex 150 [step 830] and the SSW 155 instructsthe TGW 161 to play the dial tone and collect digits [step 940]. Next,the TGW 161—reports call information with collected digits to the SSW155 [step 950], and the SSW 155 sends an invitation message to the FS153 (e.g., INVITE(URI=404-555-1277@NS.com, From: 4042221234@hiQ.com, To:404-555-1277@NS.com) [step 960]. Thereafter, the FS 153 receives theinvitation message, matches the SLN alias number 4042221234 with VoN-1subscriber DN 404-222-11111, and validates the originating call features[step 970]. The FS 153 sends the invitation message to the SSW 155 toestablish a call to the called number with VoN-1 DN as the Calling PartyNumber (e.g., SIP:INVITE(URI=404-555-1277@hiQ.com, From:404-222-1111@AS.com, To: 404-555-1277 @NS.com) [step 980]. Finally, theSSW 155 routes the call to the terminating legacy switch 163 andinstructs the TGW 162 to cut through end-end bearer path for call [step990].

A typical incoming call is handled according to the routing shown inFIG. 10 and the flow chart of FIG. 11. Routing of the incoming call isrepresented in FIG. 11 as dashed lines. In this exemplary embodiment, anincoming call to a VoN-1 subscriber is placed by caller 404-555-1277.The VoN-1 number is 404-222-1111 and is ported to the SSW 155 and isprovisioned on the FS 153. The SLN number is 404-222-1234 and isprovisioned on the legacy switch 165 and the FS 153. The incoming callarrives at the SSW complex 150 for the ported VoN-1 number 404-422-1111(e.g., IAM: Calling Party Num=404-555-1277, Called PartyNumber=404-222-11111) [step 1110]. The SSW 155 sends an SIP invitationmessage to the FS 153 (e.g., INVITE(URI=404-222-11111@NS.com, From:404-555-1277@hiQ.com, To: 404-222-11111@NS.com) [step 1120]. Next, theFS 153 verifies terminating call features, substitutes SLN 404-222-1234for VoN-1 number 404-222-1111 in the called party number parameter, andsends an invitation message to the SSW 155 configured as a shared accessdevice. The FS 153 maintains call state (e.g., SIP:INVITEmessage(URI=4042221234@hiQ.com, From: 404-555-1277@AS.com, To:4042221234 @hiQ.com) [step 1130]. Next, the SSW 155 sends call setupsignaling to the legacy switch 165 serving the SLN (e.g., IAM: CallingParty Num=404-555-1277, Called Party Number=4042221234) [step 1140] andthe legacy switch 165 receives call setup signaling, the TAT trigger isencountered, and a query is sent to SCP 166 to validate calls for SLN[step 1150]. Thereafter, the SCP 166 validates that the call is not adirect call to SLN and authorizes connection (e.g., TCAP: Calling PartyNumber=404-555-1277, Called Party Number=4042221234) [step 1160].Finally, the legacy switch 165 sends ringing current to called party andreturns signaling to the SSW 155 that results in ringing sent to callingparty. The legacy switch 165 provides CNAM and the called party hearsringing and goes off hook [step 1170].

While this invention has been described with respect to variousfeatures, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in theart will recognize this invention is not so limited. For example, theApplication Server (AS) and the Service Control Point of the abovedescribed figures are shown as two stand alone components; however, ASand SCP may be a single, integrated component that includesfunctionalities of an application server and of a service control pointto provide access to and signaling with voice and data networks. Othervariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

ABBREVIATIONS & ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS

-   AIN—Advanced Intelligent Network-   AS—Application Server-   ATA—Analog Telephone Adapter-   ATM—Asynchronous Transfer Mode-   CDP—Cisco Discovery Protocol-   CdPN—Called Party Number-   CgPN—Calling Party Number-   CLEC—Competitive Local Exchange Number-   CNAM—Calling Name-   CO—Central Office-   CODEC—Coder/Decoder; converts a voice grade analog signal to a u-law    or A-law encoded samples at an 8 KHz sampling rate; DSL bypasses the    CODECs at the CO by separating the frequencies in a POTS splitter    and passing the DSL signal to a DSLAM, the DSL equivalent of a CODEC-   CPE—Customer Premises Equipment-   DN—Directory Number-   DSL—Digital Subscriber Line-   DSLAM—Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer; a mechanism at a    phone company's central location that links many customer DSL    connections to a single high-speed ATM line.-   ETE—end to end-   FS—NGN Application Server provides features for VoN lines (in the    SoftSwitch Complex)-   HPNA—Home Phoneline Networking Alliance-   IAD—Integrated Access Device-   IAM—Initial Address Message-   IP—Internet Protocol-   IP Telephony—Internet Protocol Telephony-   ISP—Internet Service Provider-   LRN—Location or Line Routing Number-   MLT—Mechanized Loop Testing-   MS—Media Server-   LGW—Line Gateway; functions include providing dial-tone, collects    digits, SIP, and RTP traffic.-   MPLS—MultiProtocol Label Switching-   MWI—Message Waiting Indicator-   NGN—Next Generation Network-   OAM&P—Ordering, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning-   OHD—Off-hook Detection-   PODP—Public Office Dialing Plan-   POTS—Plain Old Telephone Service (this number gets ported to VoN    (via AS))-   PSTN—Public Switched Communications Network-   RIB—Regional IP Backbone; provides core IP network for communication    signals-   ROI—Return on Investment-   SCP—Service Control Point-   SIP—Session Initiation Protocol-   SLN—Secret Line Number or Shadow Line Number (i.e., the internal    communications address) known by the CO and FS; non-published unique    telephone number assigned by Class 5 switch to the VoN subscriber's    local loop; known to the Class 5 switch; assigned to Class 5 switch    after the original POTS number (i.e., the directory number) is    ported; depending upon alternative chosen, it is used by the FS,    SSW, SSW complex, SCP, etc.; SLN identifies the customer's local    loop, the SLN is used for MLT testing.-   SN—Service Node; SNs are used by industry for Intelligent Peripheral-   SSW complex—NGN Softswitch Complex-   TA—Terminal Adaptor-   TAT—Transatlantic. Telecommunications Trigger-   TCAP—Transaction Capabilities Application Part, adds transaction    based functionality to PSTN-   TG—Trunk Group ID-   TGW—Trunk Gateway and/or Media Gateway-   URI—Uniform Resource Identifiers-   VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol-   VoN—Voice-over Network Services-   xATA—multi-line Analog Terminal Adapter

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a voice over networkservices, comprising: decoding a voice over network setup communicationssignal to associate an internal communications address with a directorycommunications address, the internal communications addresscorresponding to a voice over network service of the directorycommunications address; and determining a called party's communicationsaddress from the directory communications address, wherein the internalcommunications address comprises a data format that is the same as adata format of the directory communications address, and wherein theinternal communications address comprises a shadow line number that isunknown to a user that is associated with the directory communicationsaddress, wherein the shadow line number comprises a data format that isthe same as the data format of the directory communications address. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: establishing a voice overnetwork hotline for the directory communications address using theinternal communications address, the voice over network hotlineproviding voice over internet protocol communications for communicationswith the directory communications address; initiating a voice overnetwork communications signal to the called party's communicationsaddress from the voice over network hotline; and establishing the voiceover network communications signal from the directory communicationsaddress to the called party's communications address via the voice overnetwork hotline.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the internalcommunications address further comprises a communications servicefeature of the directory communications address that includes a calleridentification service feature.
 4. A voice over network systemcomprising: means for decoding a directory communications address of acommunications device to identify a voice over internet protocol servicefeature of the directory communications address via an association withan internal communications address that includes a same format as thedirectory communications address and wherein the internal communicationsaddress comprises a shadow line number that is unknown to a user that isassociated with the directory communications address, wherein the shadowline number comprises a data format that is the same as the data formatof the directory communications address, wherein the communicationsdevice in is communication with a telecommunications network, whereinthe means for decoding comprises a media server; wherein the mediaserver is to communicate the dial tone to the communications device viathe bearer communications path, to receive the called party'scommunications address from the communications device via the bearercommunications path, and to communicate the called party'scommunications address to a feature server.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising means for establishing, using the internalcommunications address, a voice over network hotline to provide thevoice over internet protocol service feature, the voice over networkhotline communicating internet protocol telephony communicationssignals, the voice over network hotline further establishing an internetprotocol telephony communications connection of the communicationsdevice with a called party's communications address.
 6. The system ofclaim 4, further comprising means for decoding the directorycommunications address to identify a mid-call service feature of thedirectory communications address, the mid-call service featurecomprising a three way call service feature, and wherein the means fordecoding the directory communications address to identify a voice overinternet protocol service feature of the directory communicationsaddress comprises a feature server and an application server.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the voice over network hotline furthercomprises a media gateway, the application server, a media server, thefeature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, theapplication server, and the feature server.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the means for communicating between the media gateway, theapplication server, and the feature server comprises an internetprotocol telephony switching device.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe media gateway is to communicate with the internet protocol telephonyswitching device to initiate setup of the voice over network hotline.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the feature server is to communicatewith the application server to establish a bearer communications pathfrom the media server to the media gateway, the feature server furtherinstructing the media server to communicate a dial tone to the mediagateway and further instructing the media gateway to communicate thecalled party's communications address.
 11. The system of claim 4,wherein the application server is to initiate communication of theinternet protocol telephony communications signal to the called party'scommunications address and to instruct the media gateway to establishthe internet protocol telephony communications connection of thecommunications device with a called party's communications address viathe bearer path.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the means fordecoding the directory communications address of the communicationsdevice is further to detect the voice over network hotline and tocommunicate the bearer path to the media gateway.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the means for decoding the directory communicationsaddress of the communications device is to use a direct tie line viain-band signaling to the media gateway.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the media gateway is to communicate with the internet protocoltelephony switching device to initiate communications setup, theinternet protocol telephony switching device to communicate with theapplication server to establish communications with the bearercommunications path via the media server, and the application serverfurther to instruct the media server to communicate the dial tone to thecalled party's communications address.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the media server is to communicate the dial tone to thecommunications device via the direct tie line.
 16. The system of claim15, wherein the media server is to receive the called party'scommunications address from the communications device via the direct tieline and to communicate the called party's communications address to theapplication server.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the applicationserver is to initiate communication of the internet protocol telephonycommunications signal to the called party's communications address andto instruct the internet telephony switching device to route theinternet protocol telephony communications signal to the media server toestablish the internet protocol telephony communications connection ofthe communications device with a called party's communications address.18. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computerreadable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein,the computer readable program code when executed by a processor causesthe processor to perform operations comprising: decoding a voice overnetwork setup communications signal to associate an internalcommunications address with a directory communications address, theinternal communications address comprising a voice over network serviceof the directory communications address and including a data format thatis the same as a data format of the directory communications address;presenting a dial tone to a communications device of the directorycommunications address, the dial tone indicating availability tocommunicate voice over internet protocol communications signals; andreceiving a called party's communications address from the directorycommunications address, and wherein the internal communications addresscomprises a shadow line number that is unknown to a user that isassociated with the directory communications address, wherein the shadowline number comprises a data format that is the same as the data formatof the directory communications address.
 19. A computer program productaccording to claim 18, wherein the computer readable program code whenexecuted by the processor causes the processor to perform operationscomprising: establishing, using the internal communications address, avoice over network hotline for the directory communications address, thehotline providing voice over internet protocol communications forcommunications with the directory communications address; initiating avoice over network communications signal to the called party'scommunications address from the hotline; and establishing the voice overnetwork communications signal from the directory communications addressto the called party's communications address via the voice over networkhotline.
 20. A computer program product according to claim 18, whereinthe internal communications address further comprises a communicationsservice feature of the directory communications address that includes avoicemail service feature.